Rainlore's World's Appeal for Donations has now reached and indeed slightly exceeded its target, thanks especially to one very generous, kind donor! The Appeal therefore is now closed until funds run short again.

Thank you all so very much for helping to keep Rainlore's World going!

News

2014/03/21

Rainlore's World would like to sincerely and humbly thank everybody who donated to the recent Appeal for Donations, and one particular very kind and generous person/persons. You have made it possible for Rainlore's World to continue as an independent, not for profit site, with hosting now secure until 2015!

Thank you all so very, very much!

The appeal will be relaunched as and when funds begin to run short and web hosting for 2015/16 needs to be secured.

The overdue proper site update will follow ASAP. Please bear with Rainlore's World until then. Thank you.

If you would like to help keep Rainlore's World going, please donate to the ongoing Appeal above. Rainlore's World is in urgent needs of funds, especially short term!

Please note - donations from artists, as well as from venues in the London/South East area, can only be accepted anonymously as otherwise conflicts of interest might arise! Rainlore's World has had to turn down several kind offers of donations of this kind already as they were either publically or privately offered. They have to be refused as otherwise the neutrality of Rainlore's World might be compromised, as e.g. an artist offering a donation might then be said to expect a favourable review in the future. Donations through PayPal are anonymous as antehc only pass on an anouncement of a donation and amount, and where relevant an unidentifiable comment.

There are some fabulous gigs coming up for review all the time, but regrettably they cannot be attended due to lack of funds for travel expenses. In fact, Rainlore's World's financial situation may sadly force the site to close down next August as there are no funds for web hosting and domain renewal, and at present the site is indeed in debt. So if you can help at all, please do. For details, see the box above. There's even a convenient PayPal button which lets you donate anonymously. The total raised so far is only £240. Also, a generous donation of a (secondhand) laptop computer was received as the previous one was terminally ill, to tide things over until the tower can be repaired. There has also been a generous pledge for February by The Devil's Kitchen Collective and Fiona Kerr - a fabulous jazz club in Bury St. Edmunds. Recently, a musician very kindly donated their entire earnings from a gig! Thank you all most kindly for your generosity.

Where the money goes : £40 roughly covers the travel expenses for one live event (with the new fare increases for 2014 this may increase), £50 covers those plus helps Rainlore's World's Artist in Residence with his travel expenses. Approx. £210 covers web hosting for one year. App. £500 would cover computer repairs/upgrades.

Please give what you can. Rainlore's World is already having to miss out on some outstanding live events that were to be reviewed, and at the moment it is impossible to commit to any further live events at all. End of August web hosting fees were due and had to be borrowed for now.

For now, some other quick urgent news.

2014 Parliamentary Jazz Awards!
Voting now open!
Jazz Services and PPL are pleased to announce that online voting is now open for the tenth Parliamentary Jazz Awards, which will take place at the House of Commons Terrace Pavilion on Tuesday 13th May. Entries are open to everyone, and forms can be completed online from the Jazz Services website at www.jazzservices.org.uk. The final deadline for entries is 12 noon on Monday 3rd February 2014.

The Parliamentary Jazz Awards is organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG), and supported by music licensing company PPL in conjunction with Jazz Services, JazzUK, Jazzwise, and the Jazz Section of the Musicians’ Union.

The categories for the 2014 Awards have been updated to reflect the ever-increasing scope of talent from within the UK’s jazz scene. Among the revisions is the introduction of the ‘Jazz Newcomer of the Year’ award which will honour the finest fresh talent from the last twelve months, and the separation of the ‘Musician of the Year’ award into ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ and ‘Vocalist of the Year’, to allow for greater acknowledgment of the various art forms comprising jazz performance.

The nine categories for the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2014 are:

Jazz Album of the Year (released in 2013 by a UK band or musicians)
Jazz Vocalist of the Year (UK-based vocalist who impressed in 2013)
Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year (UK-based musician who impressed in 2013)
Jazz Ensemble of the Year (UK-based group who impressed in 2013)
Jazz Venue of the Year (including jazz clubs, venues, festivals and promoters)
Jazz Media Award (including broadcasters, journalists, magazines, blogs, listings and books)
Jazz Education Award (to an educator or project for raising the standard of jazz education in the UK)
Jazz Newcomer of the Year (UK-based artist, musician or group with a debut album released in 2013)
Services to Jazz Award (to a living person for their outstanding contribution to jazz in the UK).

PPL has been supporting the awards since 2005 and last year’s winners included: Guy Barker – Jazz Musician of the Year; Impossible Gentlemen – Jazz Ensemble of the Year; John Surman’s ‘Saltash Bells’ – Jazz Album of the Year and the late Stan Tracey OBE – Services to Jazz Award.

APPJAG has over 100 members from the House of Commons and House of Lords, across all political parties. Its aim is to encourage a wider and deeper enjoyment of jazz, to increase Parliamentarians’ understanding of the industry and issues surrounding it, as well as promoting jazz as a musical form, and to raise its profile both inside and outside of Parliament.

Rainlore's World will cast its vote for jazz singer extraordinaire Jan Ponsford in the Jazz Vocalist of the Year (UK-based vocalist who impressed in 2013) category, and I urge you to do the same, as well as the below.
Rainlore's World will also vote as follows -
Jazz Album of the Year (released in 2013 by a UK band or musicians) - 'Songs Of The Metropolis' (Gilad Atzmon & The OHE)
Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year (UK-based musician who impressed in 2013) - Gilad Atzmon
Jazz Ensemble of the Year (UK-based group who impressed in 2013) - Gilad Atzmon & The Orient House Ensemble

The long overdue regular update will follow ASAP. Unfortunately, persistent health issues have been and are holding things up. In the coming updates there will be reviews of some most exciting CD releases, a fabulous multi-arts event, and four fabulous, exciting gigs going back all the way to last August!

Rainlore's World would like to wish everybody a Happy and Prosperous New Year, and a Happy belated Holiday Season!

The long overdue regular update will follow ASAP. Unfortunately, persistent health issues have been and are holding things up. In the coming updates there will be reviews of some most exciting CD releases, a fabulous multi-arts event, and four fabulous, exciting gigs going back all the way to last August!

For all the latest, check Facebook from time to time!

If you would like to help keep Rainlore's World going, please donate to the ongoing Appeal above. Rainlore's World is in urgent needs of funds, especially short term! There are some fabulous gigs coming up for review all the time, but regrettably they cannot be attended due to lack of funds for travel expenses. In fact, Rainlore's World's financial situation may sadly force the site to close down next August as there are no funds for web hosting and domain renewal, and at present the site is indeed in debt. So if you can help at all, please do. For details, see the box above. There's even a convenient PayPal button which lets you donate anonymously. The total raised so far is only £185. Also, a generous donation of a (secondhand) laptop computer was received as the previous one was terminally ill, to tide things over until the tower can be repaired. There has also been a generous pledge for February by The Devil's Kitchen Collective and Fiona Kerr - a fabulous jazz club in Bury St. Edmunds. Thank you all most kindly for your generosity.

Where the money goes : £40 roughly covers the travel expenses for one live event, £50 covers those plus helps Rainlore's World's Artist in Residence with his travel expenses. Approx. £210 covers web hosting for one year. App. £500 would cover computer repairs/upgrades.

Please give what you can. Rainlore's World is already having to miss out on some outstanding live events that were to be reviewed, and at the moment it is impossible to commit to any further live events at all. End of August web hosting fees were due and had to be borrowed for now.

If you would like to help keep Rainlore's World going, please donate to the ongoing Appeal above. Rainlore's World is in urgent needs of funds, especially short term! For details, see the box above. There's even a convenient PayPal button which lets you donate anonymously. The total raised so far is £170. Also, a generous donation of a (secondhand) laptop computer was received as the previous one was terminally ill, to tide things over until the tower can be repaired. There has also been a generous pledge for October by The Devil's Kitchen Collective and Fiona Kerr - a fabulous jazz club in Bury St. Edmunds. Thank you all most kindly for your generosity.

Where the money goes : £40 roughly covers the travel expenses for one live event, £50 covers those plus helps Rainlore's World's Artist in Residence with his travel expenses. Approx. £210 covers web hosting for one year. App. £500 would cover computer repairs/upgrades.

Please give what you can. Rainlore's World is already having to miss out on some outstanding live events that were to be reviewed, and at the moment it is impossible to commit to any further live events at all. End of August web hosting fees were due and had to be borrowed for now.

The album reviews start with Ant Law's Entanglement, a polished debut if ever there was one. Head straight for the 'Jazz' page for more.

Then there's more from the fabulous and versatile Lenka Lichtenberg with her 2010 album, Fray. Lichtenberg's unique brand of Yiddish song based global fusion that will have you gasping! Go straight to the 'Other World Music' page for more.

More album reviews with first, Francesca Romana's Travelling - superb singer-songwriter EP that takes you to Bossa, Folk and Jazz territory. A must hear, and hence must read! Head to the 'Jazz,' 'Other World Music' or 'Other Music' page.

Last but definitely not least we have ARC Music's The Ultimate Guide To Spanish Folk - VA, in association with Mundofonia. Do the ARC Music label deliver what they promise? To find out more, head straight to the 'Other World Music' page.

Among other news, please note that the 'Other World Music' page will be renamed as plain 'World Music' page as soon as circumstances permit.

Regardless of what kind of music is your preference, you really don't want to miss the upcoming reviews of Thursday 22nd August's UK Calypso Monarch Final and Friday 23rd Augusts's Groovy Soca Monarch Final, all staged by the magnificent Association of British Calypsonians at The Tabernacle, Powis Sq., Ladbroke Grove, London W11. The ABC are really struggling against the odds and doing an amazing job! These shows were spec-tac-u-lar! Plus, more from the calypso/soca scene!

If you would like to help keep Rainlore's World going, please donate to the ongoing Appeal. Rainlore's World is in urgent needs of funds, especially short term! For details, see the box above. There's even a convenient PayPal button which lets you donate anonymously. £50 were raised in cash prior to the relaunch, and afterwards, a total of £100 (minus fees) via PayPal since. Also, a generous donation of a (secondhand) laptop computer was received as the previous one was terminally ill, to tide things over until the tower can be repaired. There has also been a generous pledge for October by The Devil's Kitchen Collective and Fiona Kerr - a fabulous jazz club in Bury St. Edmunds. Thank you all most kindly for your generosity.

Please give what you can. Rainlore's World is already having to miss out on some outstanding live events that were to be reviewed, and only events until the end of August have been possible to commit to. After that, I am unable to commit at all at present. End of August is also when web hosting fees are due.

The Breslov Bar Band's Happy Hour does exactly what it says on the tin! Some of the happiest Jewish music you'll find anywhere. For more go to the 'Other World Music' page.

Modou Touré's Dorin Bu Ess is an as yet unreleased album that just cries out for release! Superb West African - Senegalese, to be exact - contemporary music that will make you want the album, too. Go straight to the 'Other World Music' page for more.

A real 'biggie' release is Norman Watt-Roy's Faith & Grace, the legendary rock cult figure's (and creator of the bass lines under such hits as Ian Dury & The Blockhead's Rhythm Stick, Frankie Goes To Hollywood's Relax and The Clash's Magnificent 7) first solo album. For more head straight for the 'Other Music' or 'Jazz' page.

Among other news, please note that the 'Other World Music' page will be renamed as plain 'World Music' page as soon as circumstances permit.

Regardless of what kind of music is your preference, you really shouldn't miss the ongoing Calypso Tent and Thursday, 15th's Groovy Soca Monarch Final and especially next week Thursday, 22nd's UK Calypso Monarch Final, all hosted by the magnificent Association of British Calypsonians at The Tabernacle, Powis Sq., Ladbroke Grove, London W11. The ABC are really struggling against the odds and doing an amazing job! Please support them and British calypso and soca!

The Rainlore's World Appeal for Donations continues. Rainlore's World is in urgent needs of funds, especially short term! For details, see the box above. There's even a convenient PayPal button which lets you donate anonymously. £50 were raised in cash prior to the relaunch, and afterwards, a total of £100 (minus fees) via PayPal since. Also, a generous donation of a (secondhand) laptop computer was received as the previous one was terminally ill, to tide things over until the tower can be repaired. There has also been a generous pledge for October by The Devil's Kitchen Collective and Fiona Kerr - a fabulous jazz club in Bury St. Edmunds. Thank you all most kindly for your generosity.

Please give what you can. Rainlore's World is already having to miss out on some outstanding live events that were to be reviewed, and only two can be attended between now and end of August. After that, I am unable to commit at all at present. End of August is also when web hosting fees are due.

For now, a few more reviews, in strict alphabetical order as usual. One helluva mother of all gigs, and three CDs.

Starting the albums, we have more from the amazing Lenka Lichtenberg, with last year's Lenka Lichtenberg & Roula Said's Bridges - Live At Lula Lounge - a cracker! For more, head straight for the 'Other World Music' page.

Long, long overdue is the review of Dominic J. Marshall's Words Fail Digital EP from February this year. A fascinating excursion into electronica from this gifted jazz piano trio leader, whose album Icaros I'm sure every contemporary jazz aficionado will remember from last year. For more, go to the 'Jazz' or 'Other Music' page.

A real 'Mother of all Gigs' was of course the glorious Asaf Sirkis Trio Album Launch At Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, London W1, Wednesday 17th July 2013 (Illustrated by Rainlore's World Artist in Residence Alban Low). You will want to kick yourself very hard till all eternity if you missed this! Head straight for the 'Jazz' page for more.

Among other news, please note that the 'Other World Music' page will be renamed as plain 'World Music' page as soon as circumstances permit.

And if you're any kind of jazz fan, you can't possibly miss tomorrow's (Monday 5th August) tribute gig to titan of days gone by John Coltrane by modern day titan Gilad Atzmon at Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho! With Atzmon making a rare tenor appearance, and Frank Harrison (p), Tim Thornton (b) and Ernesto Simpson (d). Make sure you catch this unique event, if tix haven't sold out already.

The Rainlore's World Appeal for Donations continues. Rainlore's World is in urgent needs of funds, especially short term! For details, see the box above. There's even a convenient PayPal button which lets you donate anonymously. £50 were raised in cash prior to the relaunch, and afterwards, a total of £40 (minus fees) via PayPal since. Also, a generous donation of a (secondhand) laptop computer was received as the previous one was terminally ill, to tide things over until the tower can be repaired. There has also been a generous pledge for October by The Devil's Kitchen Collective and Fiona Kerr - a fabulous jazz club in Bury St. Edmunds. Thank you all most kindly for your generosity.

Please give what you can. Rainlore's World is already having to miss out on some outstanding live events that were to be reviewed, and only two can be attended between now and end of August. After that, I am unable to commit at all at present. End of August is also when web hosting fees are due.

For now, a monster crop of reviews! Back to strict alphabetical order.

The album reviews kick off with Martín Alvarado & Horacio Avilano's Guitar Tango: Más Allá, a fabulous collection of tangos by that premier Argentinean ambassador of tango, Alvarado. This release will be launched on 8th September at London's Rich Mix. For more, head straight for the 'Other World Music' or 'Other Music' page.

The live music reviews get started with Gilad Atzmon Quartet At Twickenham Jazz Club, The Bloomsbury, Twickenham, Middx. TW2, Thursday 20th June 2013 - a gloriously illustrated guest review by Rainlore's World Artist in Residence Alban Low. Go to the 'Jazz' page for more.

Better late than never, here's the review of Sarah Gillespie's third album Glory Days at last. A stunner of an album! For more, go to the 'Jazz' or 'Other Music' page.

Then there's Lenka Lichtenberg's Songs For The Breathing Walls - another stunner in its own ways! Essentially liturgical music that shouldn't leave a dry eye in the house. Head for the 'Other World Music' or 'Classical' page for more.

Another outstanding live music event reviewed is the London Piano Trio & Friends At St. John's, Smith Sq., London SW1, Saturday 6th July 2013 (Illustrated by Rainlore's World Artist in Residence Alban Low). This included a superb world premiere of Jed Balsamo's Piano Trio No.2, the first time a classical work by a Philipino composer was premiered in London. Go straight to the 'Classical' page for more.

Hindustani classical music comes from Baluji Shrivastav's outstanding The Art Of The Indian Dilruba - a wonderful introduction to this not too often heard North Indian bowed instrument. For more, go to the 'Other World Music' or 'Classical' page.

Last but definitely not least of the reviews this time is another high-energy gig, Terryazoome Live At The Great Northern Railway Tavern, Hornsey, London N8, Wednesday 3rd July 2013. This fantastic world music/Greek/Afro/world jazz band had people swinging from the rafters - almost! Head straight for the 'Other World Music' or 'Jazz' page for more.

Among other news, please note that the 'Other World Music' page will be renamed as plain 'World Music' page as soon as circumstances permit.

The Rainlore's World Appeal for Donations was 'silently' - apart from announcements on Facebook - relaunched a few weeks ago. Rainlore's World is in urgent needs of funds! For details, see the box above. There's even a convenient PayPal button which lets you donate anonymously. £50 were raised in cash prior to the relaunch, and afterwards, a total of £40 (minus fees) via PayPal since. Also, a generous donation of a (secondhand) laptop computer was received as the previous one was terminally ill, to tide things over until the tower can be repaired. Thank you all most kindly for your generosity.

Please give what you can. Rainlore's World is already having to miss out on live events that were to be reviewed, and only two can be attended between now and end of August. After that, I am unable to commit at present. End of August is also when web hosting fees are due.

For now, much delayed, we have a bit of a bumper crop of reviews and an exclusive in-depth interview! This time, we'll skip strict alphabetical order for once.

Asaf Sirkis is launching his latest album with his trio on 17th July at Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, and if you pre-book at the Pizza, a free, signed CD will be yours on the night! Book here now!

To celebrate the launch, we have the review of the Asaf Sirkis Trio's Shepherd's Stories right here! A mind-blowing, fantastic album. Head straight for the 'Jazz' page for more.

But not only that, we also have an exclusive, extensive in-depth interview, The Rainlore Interview : Asaf Sirkis - a must read! Go straight to the 'Other Features' or 'Jazz' page for more.

Also long overdue is the fully illustrated fine art review of Alban Low - Jazz Art Exhibition At Twickenham Jazz Club, Twickenham, Middx. TW2, Saturday 25th May 2013. Low is of course Rainlore's World Artist in Residence, and this exhibition also includes images from our joint ventures. For more head for the 'Other Features' or 'Jazz' page.

Three more album reviews. First, Lenka Lichtenberg With Fray's Embrace - what can one say about such a fantastic album? Go straight to the 'Other World Music' page for more.

The Maciek Pysz Trio's Insight is their long awaited debut. And what a debut album! And what a line-up! For more go to the 'Jazz' page.

Last but by no means least, there's Cheng Yu's Chinese Masterpieces Of The Pipa & Qin, which is exactly what it says on the tin. Outstanding Chinese classical and traditional music. A must! Head straight to the 'Classical' or 'Other World Music' page for more.

Among other news, please note that the 'Other World Music' page will be renamed as plain 'World Music' page as soon as circumstances permit.

A gig I had been very much looking forward to also but sadly couldn't make, the Maciek Pysz Trio - Album Launch At The Forge, Camden Town, London NW1, Wednesday 22nd May 2013 thus has to be an illustrated Guest Review by Rainlore's World Artist in Residence, Alban Low. Go to the 'Jazz' page for more.

Only one CD review, but what an album! Simon Thacker's Svara-Kanti : Rakshasa is one of those rare beasts - meaningful, successful fusion of Western classical music and Indian classical music (and more besides!). Head straight for the 'Classical' or 'Other World Music' page for more.

Among other news, Jan Ponsford has also relaunched her jazz choir. Here are the details -

'Community Jazz Choir
Swingin' Singin' with The Travelling Medicine Show™
The community Jazz choir The Travelling Medicine Show™, originally founded by Ponsford in London in the late 80s, is back by popular demand.
Right now The Travelling Medicine Show™ rehearsal venues are being set up in Hackney, Islington, and Camden, London, with the possibility of other branches in the south of England in Whitstable, Brighton and Southampton.
The project's aim is to spread the rhythm and harmony vocal vibe across the country with wonderful gatherings, bringing together each of the area groups for fabulous mega sing-ins.
Choir material will cover music from the Real Book, Thelonius Monk, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus and more, plus some personally penned Ponsford originals with a soul, gospel, funk, and Latin feel.
You don't have to read music. or be a ‘singer’. Just bring your voice and enthusiasm, and £3 per session.
Every session will help you develop your voice, your musical ear, and knowledge of harmony, together with your sense of rhythm, and you'll have a whole load of fun too.
Get in the spirit. Wanna live in harmony? What are you waiting for? Liberate your larynx!
To ensure your place join now by email. jazzchoirukATgmail.com'

You can check out details on Jan Ponsford's web site - click on jazzcoir/tuition/retreats page.

Please note that the 'Other World Music' page will be renamed as plain 'World Music' page as soon as circumstances permit.

Also please be aware that there may be delays to forthcoming updates due to the current - generously donated - stop-gap laptop computer being very near breathing its last and hence a (tower) replacement having to be found urgently, which may occupy a good bit of time.

Most regrettably I have to severely curtail gig and other live event reviews from now on due to severely constrained finances and in the absence of substantial donations to the site or sponsorship. I shall of course honour most events I have already committed to until August this year. However, beyond that, things are highly uncertain at the moment, and unless there is a positive change in circumstances, I shall not be able to attend more than one event per month at best. Expenses such as fares are simply too much to bear out of my own limited pocket.

Hence, an appeal for donations will be re-launched shortly, as soon as mechanisms for anonymous donations via PayPal have been put in place.

After some delays and including a couple more reviews than would originally have been scheduled, here's a bevy of reviews - four gig reviews, two illustrated by Rainlore's World Artist in Residence Alban Low, and two illustrated guest reviews by him, a solitary album review (I know, we're getting further behind again with albums at the moment but hope to catch up a good bit soon) and an article. So here we go, in the usual alphabetical order.

Starting with an exciting gig we have ArHai - Album Launch Live At Rich Mix, Shoreditch, London E1, Saturday 4th May 2013 (Illustrated Guest Review by Alban Low), launching their amazing Folktronica album Eastern Roads, reviewed last time. For more, go straight to the 'Other World Music' page.

Next it's the excellent Georgia Mancio Live At Twickenham Jazz Club, The Bloomsbury, Twickenham TW2, Thursday 25th April 2013 (Illustrated Guest Review by Alban Low) - who would not wish to have been there? For more, head to the 'Jazz' page.

Please note that the 'Other World Music' page will be renamed as plain 'World Music' page as soon as circumstances permit.

Also please be aware that there may be delays to forthcoming updates due to the current - generously donated - stop-gap laptop computer being very near breathing its last and hence a (tower) replacement having to be found urgently, which may occupy a good bit of time.

Most regrettably I have to severely curtail gig and other live event reviews from now on due to severely constrained finances and in the absence of substantial donations to the site or sponsorship. I shall of course honour most events I have already committed to until August this year. However, beyond that, things are highly uncertain at the moment, and unless there is a positive change in circumstances, I shall not be able to attend more than one event per month at best. Expenses such as fares are simply too much to bear out of my own limited pocket.

Hence, an appeal for donations will be re-launched shortly, as soon as mechanisms for anonymous donations via PayPal have been put in place.

Something for everybody musical this time. A review of the most funtabulous gig you could imagine, and reviews of three, yes, three, amazing albums whose beauty is just straight out of heaven. However, another item or two had to be still withheld due to last minute further editing being required and insufficient time being available.

The first of the latter is ArHai's Eastern Roads, an album whose music is so beautiful, it might hurt you! For more, head straight for the 'Other World Music' page.

Then there is Maurizio Minardi's The Cook The Clown The Monk And The Accordionist, the piano and accordion maestro's ninth studio album. His accordion dominates here, and Minardi delivers another drop-dead-gorgeous album. Head straight for the 'Jazz' or 'Classical' page for more.

And we have Sally Silver, Richard Bonynge's Massenet Songs - Ivre D'Amour, another album straight out of heaven. The Star Soprano shines brightly! Go straight to the 'Classical' page for more.

The gig reviewed is the State Of Undress Magical Gig At The Magic Garden, Battersea, London SW11, Friday 29th March 2013, simptuously, gloriously illustrated by Rainlore's World Artist in Residence, Alban Low. The most fun, fantastic, fabulous gig for a long, long time! For more, go straight to the 'Other World Music' or 'Other Music' page.

Please note that the 'Other World Music' page will be renamed as plain 'World Music' page as soon as circumstances permit.

Among other news, the long overdue Rainlore's World Albums Of The Year 2012 will of course follow ASAP but maybe a while yet. However, the good news is that the winners will henceforth receive a commemorative plaque, and Rainlore's World is proud to announce that the Rainlore's World Albums Of The Year 2012 will be sponsored by the prestigious Sampson Low Ltd., one of the UK's oldest publishing houses!

Most regrettably I have to severely curtail gig and other live event reviews from now on due to severely constrained finances and in the absence of substantial donations to the site or sponsorship. I shall of course honour most events I have already committed to until August this year. However, beyond that, things are highly uncertain at the moment, and unless there is a positive change in circumstances, I shall not be able to attend more than one event per month at best. Expenses such as fares are simply too much to bear out of my own limited pocket.

A couple of items had to be withheld due to last minute further editing being required, so it's two gig and an album review this time.

The first of the gig reviews is tango singer extraordinaire, Martín Alvarado - 'Asi Es Mi Tango' With Mikko Helenius Live At Lauderdale Hs., Highgate, London N6, Thursday 21st March 2013 which is sumptuously illustrated by Rainlore's World Artist in Residence, Alban Low. Alvarado, the voice that melts hearts, true to form proved once again why he is the Carlos Gardel of the 21st century, 'El Mago!' Head straight for the 'Other World Music,' 'Classical' or 'Other Music' page for more.

The second gig reviewed is Michael Janisch - The Whirlwind Sessions Live At Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho, London W1, Friday 8th March 2013, an illustrated guest review by Rainlore's World Artist in Residence Alban Low. Bassist and improviser extraordinaire, and head of Whirlwind Records Janisch's late night Whirlwind session will run right through to November, with a Whirlwind Festival also slated for October at The King's Place. For more head to the 'Jazz' page.

The album reviewed is Elizabeth McCall's Two Different Paths, an extraordinary debut album from this gifted singer-songwriter. Go to the 'Other Music' or 'Other World Music' page for more.

In other news, the long overdue Rainlore's World Albums Of The Year 2012 will of course follow ASAP but maybe a while yet. However, the good news is that the winners will henceforth receive a commemorative plaque, and Rainlore's World is proud to announce that the Rainlore's World Albums Of The Year 2012 will be sponsored by the prestigious Sampson Low Ltd., one of the UK's oldest publishing houses!

Most regrettably I shall have to severely curtail gig and other live event reviews from now on due to severely constrained finances and in the absence of substantial donations to the site or sponsorship. I shall of course honour any events I have already committed to until August this year. However, beyond that, things are highly uncertain at the moment, and unless there is a positive change in circumstances, I shall not be able to attend more than one event per month at best. Expenses such as fares are simply too much to bear out of my own limited pocket.

Much delayed, alas, but you will surely find this update was worth waiting for! In part, this delay was caused by holding out for including the illustrated review of the sensational Nicolas Meier gig. As a consequence, one or two other items regrettably had to be held over to the next update. Quite a mixed bag this time, with CDs, gigs, a feature, and a review of a breath-taking book! Here we go, in strict alphabetical order as usual.

The first of two CD reviews takes the shape of the Aleph Trio's self-titled Aleph Trio (EP). Almost an album, and more than worth investigating! For more, head straight for the 'Jazz' page.

The literary review comes in the form of Magda Allani's Dark Waters - Chronicle Of A Story Untold, the only account of the 1989 Marchioness disaster by a survivor. A very dark and very murky tale, and chilling to the bone with it. Head straight for the 'Literary' page for more.

The second CD reviewed is Juan María Solare's Tango Monologues, a solo piano album of classic and contemporary tangos from a classical angle. Bristling with excellence, you have to hear this wonderful album. For more, go to the 'Classical,' 'Other Music' or 'Other World Music' page.

Finally, the second gig reviewed is The Twelveheads At The Amersham Arms, New Cross, London, Tuesday 5th March 2013, an illustrated Guest Review by Rainlore's World Artist in Residence Alban Low. Sparkling with wit and humour, you cannot miss out on this. Go to the 'Jazz' page for more.

In other news, the long overdue Rainlore's World Albums Of The Year 2012 will of course follow ASAP but maybe a while yet. However, the good news is that the winners will henceforth receive a commemorative plaque, and Rainlore's World is proud to announce that the Rainlore's World Albums Of The Year 2012 will be sponsored by the prestigious Sampson Low Ltd., one of the UK's oldest publishing houses!

Most regrettably I shall have to severely curtail gig and other live event reviews from now on due to severely constrained finances and in the absence of substantial donations to the site or sponsorship. I shall of course honour any events I have already committed to until August this year. However, beyond that, things are highly uncertain at the moment, and unless there is a positive change in circumstances, I shall not be able to attend more than one event per month at best. Expenses such as fares are simply too much to bear out of my own limited pocket.

The best laid plans...! Alas, the dreaded flu put paid to plans of having this update go live in time for the launch of the Patternotion book (see below). Still, a real stonker with nothing less than five reviews, three of them gigs illustratated by Rainlore's World Artist in Residence Alban Low (and two also written by him as I couldn't attend myself), a literary review, and one album as well. In strict alphabetical order then as usual.

Sadly, Chico Chica Live At The Green Carnation, Soho, London W1, Tuesday 19th February 2013 was one of two gigs in February that I could not make myself. However, we have an Illustrated Guest Review by Alban Low, first published on his Art Of Jazz blog on 22nd February. For more, go to the 'Jazz' or 'Other Music' page.

The literary review could almost also be classed as an arts review. It is the Alban Low-edited Patternotion, a compilation of art and literature on 'Artistic Systems for Living.' Head for the 'Literary' page for more on this and the associated launch event.

In other news, most regrettably I shall have to severely curtail gig and other live event reviews from now on due to severely constrained finances and in the absence of substantial donations to the site or sponsorship. I shall of course honour any events I have already committed to until August this year. However, beyond that, things are highly uncertain at the moment, and unless there is a positive change in circumstances, I shall not be able to attend more than one event per month at best. Expenses such as fares are simply too much to bear out of my own pocket.

More news on the Rainlore's World Albums of the Year 2012 had to be postponed till next time. Sorry.

There's lots of other news on the various section pages, so don't miss out on these.

For 'world music' fans, don't miss the one and only DJ Ritu's superb A World in London show, this week or any week whatever you do, either live on Wednesdays at 2pm on SOAS Radio, or later as play again on SOAS Radio and podcast on iTunes. You can also check Ritu's fab web site for much more! More also on the 'Other World Music' page.

Two album and a gig review this time, and some major archiving of inactive pages.

The first of the albums reviewed comes from the amazing Kobi Arad Band and Inner Hymns- Creative Exploration of Traditional Jewish Hymns. Very esoteric, highly creative 'Third Stream' from the modern master. Head straight for the 'Jazz,' 'Classical' or 'Other World Music' page.

The second album is Che Sudaka's 10 - alas, a long overdue review that has had to wait in the queue all too long. A bubbling Latin groove album that should really get you going. For more go to the 'Other World Music' page.

The 'A/V Pages' section of Rainlore's World has now been permanently moved to archive. It had long become impossible to maintain/update this. Please note that some of the links may no longer work. The 'Artists' section will be next to be archived as soon as time permits, for the same reason.

The next update may take a little time as it's going to be a real biggie! In every sense of the word. Not one, not two, but three gig reviews illustrated by Rainlore's World Artist in Residence Alban Low, and two of them also written by him! The other one's a real biggie in itself. Then, we have a literary review on the topic of art. And of course one or two albums as well.

And there's more exciting news on the Rainlore's World Albums Of The Year 2012 next time, too! No, sadly they're not coming along just yet. But exciting news, all the same.

At last, Pt. 2 of last week's site update! Two more album reviews, and an art exhibition review.

Overdue due to a mix up and receiving the review CD late is the first album, Gilad Atzmon & The Orient House Ensemble's Songs Of The Metropolis. A phenomenal album from a phenomenal maestro and a phenomenal band! All heart, romance and beauty! Head straight for the 'Jazz' page for more.

Long overdue due to 'congestion' here is the second album, Salim Ghazi Saeedi's namoWoman. An extraordinary album from Iran, this comes broadly from the sphere of prog rock / avant rock / prog metal, with a twist. For more, go to the 'Other Music,' 'Other World Music' or 'Jazz' page.

The art exhibition review comes in the form of Rainlore's World's Artist in Residence's Alban Low - Art Of Folk Exhibition At TwickFolk, The Cabbage Patch, Twickenham, Middx. TW1, Sunday 27th January 2013. Or, to give it its full title, Art of Folk At TwickFolk Twickenham. This comes fully illustrated with nineteen of the twenty glorious images in the show. Head for the 'Other Features,' 'Other World Music' or 'Jazz' page for more.

In other news, Asaf Sirkis has a new set of pictures of the Asaf Sirkis Trio by Matt Crossick on display on Facebook.

For 'world music' fans, don't miss the one and only DJ Ritu's superb A World in London show, this week or any week whatever you do, either live on Wednesdays at 2pm on SOAS Radio, or later as play again on SOAS Radio and podcast on iTunes. You can also check Ritu's fab web site for much more! More also on the 'Other World Music' page.

Of course, also slightly overdue by now are Rainlore's World's Albums Of The Year 2012. There is so much to do, this is inevitable, and they will follow ASAP. However, regrettably this maybe while yet...

Somewhat delayed due to various 'interludes' of exhaustion, man flu and the like, this site update also had to be split into two parts. Today, here is Pt. 1. Pt. 2 will follow, hopefully, around next Friday. Regrettably, this causes further delays to a number of album and gig reviews long overdue.

The current crop of reviews in Pt. 1 consists of a literary review, two album reviews, and a dance theatre review of a remarkable triple bill. As usual, in strict alphabetical order...

Best-selling author W. A. Harbinson's One Thing To Know is a re-publication of his first novel. Originally published in 1973 as Instruments Of Death, this epic WWII novel has been restored to the author's original title. Head straight for the 'Literary' page for more.

The first album review comes from Horizen and their debut Big Bang. They are a wonderful four-piece band led by guitarist Tom Williams intent on making a big bang on the jazz fusion scene! For more, head for the 'Jazz' page.

Modern dance theatre comes in the form of a remarkable triple bill featuring Liz Liew & Yuyu Rau - Snapshots, Et Al, The Place, Euston, London WC1H, Saturday 12th January 2013. The live score to the first piece, Liew & Rau's Snapshots, is also remarkable in itself! For more, go to the 'Other Features,' 'Classical' or 'Other World Music' page.

The second album review is of Mark Weinstein's Todo Corazon - The Tango Album - a phenomenal album indeed! The master jazz flautist ventures completely out of his comfort zone and pulls it off. An album all heart, romance and beauty! Head straight for the 'Jazz,' 'Other Music' or 'Other World Music' page for more.

And please don't even mention Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama Finals at Port of Spain's Queens Park Savannah (aka 'de big yard') last night - I'm still too depressed over not having been there again, again.

Definite for Pt. 2 of this update are reviews of Gilad Atzmon & The Orient House Ensemble's latest album, Songs Of The Metropolis (long overdue due to delays in receiving my review copy thanks to a mix-up), Rainlore's World's Artist in Residence Alban Low's exhibition Art of Folk at TwickFolk Twickenham on 27th January, and Salim Ghazi Saeedi's NamoWoman album from Iran! If possible, I might try and cram in some more from what should be the next site update, but no guarantees.

For 'world music' fans, don't miss the one and only DJ Ritu's superb A World in London show, this week or any week whatever you do, either live on Wednesdays at 2pm on SOAS Radio, or later as play again on SOAS Radio and podcast on iTunes. You can also check Ritu's fab web site for much more! More also on the 'Other World Music' page.

Out with the old, in with the new! The 2012 version of this page has now been archived. At the same time, the change in name to Rainlore's World is being further implemented, bit by bit!

Rainlore's World is proud to announce that acclaimed fine artist Alban Low has kindly consented to be Artist in Residence of Rainlore's World as of this month. Alban Low is renowned especially for his covers and artwork for CDs, live illustrations of gigs and studio sessions (with a primary focus on jazz - see also his blog Art of Jazz), and animations, including commissions for the BBC, and in 2012 already illustrated several gigs in collaboration with reviews on Rainlore's World. We hope our collaboration will be a long and fruitful one.

Sadly, the 'Jewish Music' section has had to be discontinued and permanently moved to archive due to lack of submissions and other content. However, submissions and content will continue to be covered of course, within the 'Other World Music' section. Some other sections will also be discontinued and permanently moved to archive shortly as it has regrettably become impossible to maintain them. These include the 'A/V Page' and the 'Artists' page. More on this soon.

On with the reviews! A veritable feast for the senses this time, with three outstanding albums and a fine art review.

A breath-taking glory of an album is Robert Atchison, Sir Michael Gambon, Altamira Chamber Orchestra's Vivaldi: The Four Seasons - Music And Sonnets. A finer performance than Atchison's is hard to imagine, and each movement is preceded by a reading by Sir Michael Gambon of the matching sonnet. Head straight for the 'Classical' page for more.

The fine art review comes in the form of Ed Gray's Private Show At Searcys, 30 St. Mary Axe (The Gherkin), London EC3A, December 2012. An exhibition of spectacular works in a spectacular setting. Dating from last December, publication of this review had to be postponed due to a delay in obtaining the illustrating images, with the attendant work in editing and layout of course adding further to the delay. For more, head to the 'Other Features' page.

Continuing with the albums, Nicolas Meier's From Istanbul To Ceuta With A Smile proves yet again that any new Meier album is always worth waiting for! There are surprises galore in store. Head to the 'Jazz' or 'Other World Music' page for more.

Finally, one of those rare reviews of a compilation album, Various Artists : The Rough Guide To Bluegrass (2nd Ed.). World Music Network, the 'Rough Guide' franchise holders, have not only come up with a superb introduction to bluegrass music, but a collection that's worth having even if you're already a fan of the genre, and there's also a superb bonus CD, Scott Holstein's Cold Coal Town! Go to the 'Other World Music' page for more.

In other news, the Asaf Sirkis Trio's launch gig for their forthcoming album has been confirmed as 17th July at the Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho - tix go on sale April, so note in your diary and book then! More on the 'Jazz' page, along with other news.

A lot closer is Rainlore's World's Artist in Residence Alban Low's one-day exhibition, Art of Folk, at TwickFolk, Twickenham, this Sunday, 27th January, arising from his six month residency at the well known folk club. It's from 6pm at Twickfolk, The Cabbage Patch, 67 London Rd., Twickenham TW1 3SZ. Admission is free, and music is provided by Alan Franks from 7pm to put you even more in the mood! An event not to be missed! In the meantime, you can find out more about his amazing work and download a catalogue of posters and prints at Alban Low's web site. More also on the various section pages.

For 'world music' fans, don't miss the one and only DJ Ritu's superb A World in London show which is back after the break for the festive season since last Wednesday, this week or any week whatever you do, either live on Wednesdays at 2pm on SOAS Radio, or later as play again on SOAS Radio and podcast on iTunes. You can also check Ritu's fab web site for much more! More also on the 'Other World Music' page.

Hello New Year, and Hello Rainlore's World, Good Bye Rainlore's World of Music!

The process of changing over of the site's name to Rainlore's World has begun with a change of the logos on all essential section pages, e.g., 'Home,' Jazz,' 'Other World Music,' 'Literary,' and so on. More will follow gradually. Also, more and more pages will have headers and other incidences of the old Rainlore's World of Music changed to Rainlore's World.

This change of the site's name is intended to reflect the much broader spectrum the site has come to include over the years. Over the next year or two, a thorough revamp of the site is hoped to be carried out to take this into account and to simplify the site and make it more user-friendly too. For the time being, the domain will remain the same. Comments and suggestions always welcome.

Furthermore, with the next full site update, the 2012 portion of this page and all section pages will be moved to archive, hence the next update may be a little longer than usual.